Top Activities to Boost Emotional Health for Students
A student’s life can be hectic. There is a lot of pressure as they have to constantly juggle academics, assignments, extracurricular activities, social interaction and more. It is normal to feel anxiety and stress. However, if these issues are not managed properly they can be harmful to the mental and physical health. If you are a parent, guardian or teacher, this blog will guide you on some tips to boost the emotional health for students. Read ahead!
Why Does Emotional Health for Students Matter?
Many people do not realise this, but emotional health has a significant impact on academic achievements, personal relationships and even physical health. The importance of emotional health for students is undeniable, as stress, anxiety, despair, etc, require care and management. But how does one know that a child is suffering from emotional health issues? Below are some warning signs.
- Changes in appetite
- Heightened anxiety
- Constant mood changes
- Reduced focus
- Social withdrawal and isolation
- Disrupted sleep
- Increased aggression
Let’s understand a few reasons why emotional health is critical for school-going kids.
- Self-Esteem: Self-esteem is directly linked with the emotional state of a person. An emotionally healthy student has confidence and a positive image of oneself.
- Academic Success: Students can concentrate more with a better attention span if they are emotionally balanced.
- Healthy Relationships: Emotional stability brings sereneness which is reflected in the relationship that one maintains in their life. So, a student’s relationship with peers, teachers and parents is highly dependent.
- Resilience: Resilience is a quality that every student requires to overcome various challenges in life, including academic ones. Good emotional health builds resilience and tolerance.
- Decision Making: Balanced emotional health allows students to make informed decisions.
- Time Management: Time management and organisation skills are developed when a student has good emotional health.
- Career Prospects: Lastly, emotional intelligence and health do great wonders for career prospects. They can think out of the box and can come up with creative solutions.
Tips to Boost Emotional Health
After reading the above section, you must have understood the warning signs of having poor emotional health. A child’s emotional development lays a foundation for social interaction and the management of feelings. So now, we will understand some beneficial emotional activities for students.
Sports Activities
Many schools, like K.R. Mangalam World School, Best private School in Panipat, has shifted from the traditional teaching method. This is because sports activities instill confidence and children get an opportunity to interact with each other.
Writing
Journaling or writing about how someone is feeling has proven to be a beneficial method for dealing with emotions. As a teacher or parent, you can encourage the kids to write about their problems and worries.
Mindfulness
Mindful activities are generally prescribed to adults, but school kids can benefit from them, too. They can practise breathing exercises, yoga, focussing on the five senses, etc. These exercises promote emotional regulation.
Reading
There is no surprise here that reading is an important way to cope with stress and anxiety for a student. Whether it’s books, comics, magazines, or blogs, the textual content lets them feel a variety of emotions. Reading also helps in escaping from daily problems. So, teachers must encourage this.
Music
Here, music is much more than listening to songs and enjoying the melody. Both teachers and parents can encourage children to take up musical instruments as they also aid in balancing emotions amongst kids. Expressing and communicating emotions through music is a wonderful management technique.
Extracurriculars
Extracurricular activities include events like Sports Day, Annual Day, assembly performances to joining clubs and sports teams. Involvement in such activities helps develop social skills. They also learn the importance of community and volunteer work.
STRESSORS | REMEDIES |
Academics | Proper Sleep, Exercise, Study Schedule |
Societal Pressure | Open Communication, Inclusivity, Mindful Practices |
Time Management | Structured Schedule, Prioritising Tasks, Realistic Goals |
Health Problems | Physical Activities, Stress Management Techniques, Healthy Eating Habits |
Future Plans | Self Exploration, Setting Clear Goals, Career Counselling |
Poor Sleep Schedule | Consistent Routine, Avoid Coffee, Cool Bedroom |
Conclusion
By now, you must have gathered that emotional health for students is not only crucial for academic performance but their overall personality too. The above-prescribed practices boost physical, mental and emotional well-being. They build resilience and self-awareness, which is vital for a fulfilling life ahead. At K.R. Mangalam World School, Panipat, we place a strong emphasis on nurturing the emotional health of our students. Join us!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the warning signs of poor emotional health for students?
The warning signs for poor emotional health for students include high anxiety, reduced focus, refusal to go to school, difficulty sleeping and severe mood swings.
How can students improve their mental health?
Students need to recognise and prioritise their mental and emotional health. They should get restorative sleep, exercise regularly, maintain a balanced diet, meditate, and set boundaries.
What are some common stressors for school students?
A student’s school life can be stressful due to various factors like academic pressure, low self-esteem, peer pressure, unorganised routine, family and financial issues and more.
How to promote positive emotional health of students?
The teachers can promote a positive environment by fostering a supportive classroom, giving leeway to build social connections, teaching emotional regulation and encouraging open communication.
